UK-based research and technology centre Satra has teamed up with National Geographic for a new television series entitled ‘I didn’t know that’ to provide science and technology  information to modern audiences.

Part of the programme is called ‘Testing Testing’ in which Satra opens up its laboratories to demonstrate what can be involved in heat and flame testing of clothing and active outdoor footwear.

This included the ‘torching’ of SID (Satra Instrumented Dummy). Manequin SID is made of fire retardant fibreglass and painted black so his surface absorbs any heat. Dressed for example in firefighter/aircrew clothing or industrial coveralls, SID is engulfed in a 1,000ºC inferno produced by 16 propane-fired burners. Over one hundred temperature sensors predict the extent and area of skin burn damage.

Further features include foot pressure mapping, boot water-resistance and a climate chamber in which feet are wired up to a computer to monitor diminishing comfort levels with boots worn as the temperature drops to minus 40ºC.

The series will premiere on the National Geographic Channel on September 7 at 9pm, and will be shown in 164 countries world-wide.